Didactic Program

Departmental Grand Rounds

Wednesdays (7:00 - 8:00 AM). Departmental Grand Rounds provide a venue for prominent speakers, clinicians and researchers in the field of Anesthesiology (both members of our department and visiting professors) to address the department, apprise us of new developments and keep us on the cutting edge of our specialty. In addition, this meeting serves as a forum for discussion of morbidity and mortality. Periodically, a joint meeting is held with selected surgical sections to present common problems that arise in clinical care.

CA-1 Anesthesia Lecture Series

Tuesdays (3:00 - 4:30 PM). These conferences cover the entire spectrum of anesthetic practice with both basic science and clinical anesthesia material based on ABA-ASA Content Outline. A typical lecture will include a 45-minute didactic session followed by a 45-minute clinical vignette discussion that seeks to apply the didactic material discussed earlier. This forum may also serve as a focus for case discussion as well as an opportunity to interact with visiting professors in an informal fashion. During the summer months, the teaching schedule is designed for the new resident and focuses on the acquisition of basic anesthesia skills and information.

CA-2 Problem-Based Learning Discussion

Wednesdays (3:00 - 4:30 PM). These sessions provide the residents with an opportunity to work together and, under the guidance of a member of the faculty, address and solve clinical problems as they may occur during the course of an anesthetic. A case scenario is provided by the faculty member, who then directs residents in the critical decision-making process.

CA-3 Conference

Mondays (3:00 - 4:30 PM). For the first half of the year these conferences are in the format of the ABA Oral Board examination with emphasis on thorough preoperative assessment of the patient, selection of optimum anesthetic technique, intraoperative management, management of complications, and postoperative care. The faculty member offers a critique of the performance upon completion of the resident's presentation. For the second half of the year these conferences provide a systematic review for the ABA Written Board examination.

Clinical Research Discussion

Mondays (Wednesdays) (5:00 - 6:00PM). This program discusses proposed and on-going research projects, as well as encouraging interaction between basic research scientists and clinicians. Opportunity exists to critique the investigation with the goal of improving the project. Once monthly.

Chairman's Morning Report

Thursdays (6:30 -7:00AM) Dr. Hines meets with all the residents over a continental breakfast to discuss interesting and challenging cases in an informal setting.

Subspecialty Conferences

Various times. Subspecialty conferences are held to provide a forum for informal discussions between faculty and residents. Subject material may focus on interesting and relevant case management situations or issues that are of current interest within the subspecialty. These seminars are given by the sections of Obstetric Anesthesia, Pediatric Anesthesia, Cardiac Anesthesia (echocardiography), Neuroanesthesia, Ambulatory Anesthesia, and Pain Management (acute and chronic).

Journal Clubs

Journal Club provides an opportunity for faculty and residents to discuss current and classic journal articles that are interesting or controversial in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, typically at a local restaurant. Relevant journal articles are provided by the various subspecialties. The ability to critically evaluate the literature and determine clinical significance is emphasized.

American Society of Anesthesiologists Self-Evaluation Examination

Each resident is also required to complete the twice-yearly American Society of Anesthesiologists Self-Evaluation Exam, as well as the Annual American Board of Anesthesiology In-Training Examination.

Resident Evaluation

Once a month, the Residency Review Committee meets to evaluate the progress of each resident. On this basis, strengths and weaknesses are identified and discussed with each resident to assure a successful completion of the program. Residents are given the Anesthesia Knowledge Test at the beginning of the first month, at the end of six months, and at the end of 18 months of training. This allows the resident to measure their didactic progress and refine their reading. Mock oral examinations in the authentic format of the American Board of Anesthesiology oral exam are administered to all CA-1 and CA-2 residents annually. CA-3 residents and faculty, including our six ABA examiners, give the exam. Residents take the annual American Board of Anesthesiology / American Society of Anesthesiologists In-Training Exam. The keywords from the exam help the resident focus their studying. Subspecialty exams are given after most rotations.